National Updates
Merck & Co. Posts Strong Q3 2025 Earnings
Merck’s third-quarter results exceeded expectations, driven by growth in its oncology drug Keytruda which offset weaker performance elsewhere (e.g., decline in its vaccine business). This reflects how therapeutic innovations are reshaping pharmaceutical investment and access. Reuters
Improved Stroke Outcomes Highlight Team-Based Care
According to the American Heart Association, when stroke care teams coordinate across prevention, acute treatment, and rehabilitation, patient outcomes improve significantly—important as stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. American Medical Association
Texas Updates
The annual open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) begins November 1. Texans are being alerted that many will face higher premiums this year because enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire at year-end. The state’s uninsured rate is among the highest in the nation. KSAT+2Texas Tribune+2
A new campus of South College has opened in the Dallas–Farmers Branch area, offering degrees and certifications in nursing, medical imaging, dental hygiene and more. It’s intended to help address the workforce shortage in Texas health-care professions. KERA News
The wildfire dubbed the Mill Fire in Gregory, Texas (~150 miles southeast of San Antonio) has led to evacuation orders. Heavy smoke is creating a health risk for residents nearby, especially those with respiratory conditions. spectrumlocalnews.com
Global Health Alerts
Chikungunya Surges Globally
Between January and September 2025, over 445,000 suspected and confirmed cases of chikungunya and 155 deaths were reported across 40 countries, including regions which had not previously seen major outbreaks. Vector-borne disease preparedness is increasingly important. World Health Organization+1
Ebola virus disease in the DRC Showing Some Signs of Containment
As of early October, the DRC’s Kasai Province reported around 64 cases (including 11 probable) and 43 deaths in the ongoing outbreak. While no new cases in some zones, vigilance continues given the high fatality and complexity. University of Nebraska Medical Center+1
Clinical Tips for Providers
Monitor your patients on oncology therapies or newly launched drugs—changes in the pharmaceutical environment may affect access or cost.
Reinforce stroke prevention: counsel on blood pressure, diabetes, smoking cessation, and the importance of timely treatment when symptoms arise.
Even without Texas-specific alerts today, maintain vector-borne disease screening vigilance for returning travelers or local exposure, especially given the global chikungunya surge.
If caring for patients with travel history to Central Africa or regions affected by the Ebola outbreak, maintain high suspicion and follow protocol for febrile, hemorrhagic symptoms.
